Thank you for your support. Sorry if I came off as defensive... most doctors are unwilling to even consider that an SSRI can do nerve damage but that's what seems to have happened to me. It's rare, but it is recognized that SSRIs can cause nerve damage when abruptly discontinued. The fact that the muscle twitching in my face occurs with the pain makes me think I have trigeminal neuralgia. My PCP diagnosed me with it and she was the only doctor yet who I felt has really listened to me. I avoided getting this treated for so long because no doctors ever believed me... once I told them why I thought I was in pain they dismissed my pain entirely. It's really dumb that I never got it treated when it first occured because now long-term potentiation has set in and I'll have to deal with this irritated nerve for the rest of my life. Corticosteriods are the only medicine, besides opioids, that have worked so far. I'm looking at trying a TCA or anti-convulsant next.

I am evaluating getting admitted to a pain clinic because I want a multidisciplinary approach to my pain. Its affecting my relationships, caused the loss of my job and is ruining my life. I don't just want to be doped up on narcotics, I want a doctor who listens to me and understands the effect it's having on my life. My fiance wants to be involved as well to make sure that I am compliant. Do you have any suggestions for how to choose a pain doctor, or is it just trial and error?

You sound like me a couple years ago. I had an un-relenting sort of dull pain that was on the right side of my face all the time and then on top of that the smallest little stimuli like wind, or even a foggy morning would make the pain turn into a shooting, stabbing, type of pain that is so frustrating to treat.

While my pain is a result of a surgery that went wrong in some respects I can sympathize with the fact that you think your sudden discontinuation of your SSRI medication could have contributed to your pain as well. While I don't have any scientific evidence to prove it, I was more or less a human guinea pig through my late teens when my parents just wanted a kid who was easier to manage I guess; so I was given SSRI's and a host of other psychotropic drugs in an attempt to curb my unbound creativity :p. Like a moody teenager I stopped taking the medication cold-turkey and experienced an increase in the flare-ups that I was having related to the jaw-surgery as well as an increase in intensity.

Right now I think I have it under control with medication, as well as taking classes for things like hypnosis, body-imaging and other pain-relief exercises. The best regiment I have found so far is to take the medication Lyrica (pregabalin) everyday (I'm personally at the maximum recomended dose of 600mg/day) taken with 60mg of Methadone broken into 3 doses of 20mg each throughout the day, but every other pain sufferer knows that not everyday will have you taking the same amount at the same time.

Just remember that at least someone out here knows what you are going through. Post any questions that you have or anything you want to say.

Edit: I would just like to offer you a link to a disease that seems to fits the descriptors you have given us. I personally thought I might have had this disease until I was seen by a specialist in pain and neuropathy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigeminal_neuralgia

"Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), tic douloureux[1] (also known as prosopalgia) is a neuropathic disorder of one or both of the trigeminal nerves. Its nickname is "the suicide disease" because it causes one of the most severe pains that a human being can experience, and is not easily controlled or cured. It causes episodes of intense pain in any or all of the following: the ear, eye, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, teeth or jaw on one side of the face.[2] It is estimated that 1 in 15,000 people suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, although the actual figure may be significantly higher due to frequent misdiagnosis. TN usually develops after the age of 50, more commonly in females, although there have been cases with patients being as young as three years of age [3].

TN brings about stabbing, mind-numbing, electric shock-like pain from just a finger's glance of the cheek or spontaneously without any stimulation by the patient. Cold wind, high pitched sounds,loud noise such as concerts or crowds, chewing, talking, can aggravate the condition, and for the worst cases, even smiling or a scarf or the wind or hair on the side of the face is too much to bear."

LittleMissSunshine

12-12-2009, 08:56

I apologize in advance as this question may have been asked previously above but I'm in substantial pain NOW and I can't make it through all thirty something pages of this thread. I have fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis and was in a car accident where I was hit by a tractor trailor this evening. I'm in SEVERE pain and all I have on hand in vicoprofen 7.5/200. The ER doctor did not want to give me anything for my pain because I'm under the care of a pain management dr but I've only been under his care a short time and rather than start me where my primary care doctor had me he's starting me at the very bottom and working me up which is excrutiating. Is there anything I can do to get maximum relief from this medication? Should I take it with milk, not take it with milk, take on an empty stomach, take with an allergy pill - I'm at the end of my rope and I don't want to call and wake my doctor up at 3am - please help!

LittleMissSunshine

12-12-2009, 09:01

bumping this up because I really need an answer

Cloud_9

12-12-2009, 11:02

Go to the ER and explain to them that your pain management coordinator just wants TO BE INFORMED if you are administered any stronger medication, but that doesnt mean that it is a complete non-issue.

Maybe if the ER is not an option you can wait it out until the time when urgent care appointments are taken?

I've been in this situation before and the ER staff has always been good to me. It really depends on the doctor with what pain meds you will be getting but be sure to STRESS that you are already on other pain medications but you are having an uncontrollable flair-up that needs tending too.

EDIT: Depending on how many of those Vicoprofen pills you have on hand you could do what is called a cold water extraction that will let you be able to have more active pain killing ingredient compared to the toxic ibuprofen in quantities that actually can help you. If you want to go this way it will probably result in a total yield loss on your medication by probably 15% but its pretty much the only way I can get anything at all from weak as fuck norco's etc.

Cloud_9

12-12-2009, 20:34

Poor guy... give us a status update whenever you are feeling good enough to post again. :(

scoliosis11

13-02-2010, 06:41

I am so appreciative of this thread. It makes me feel sad that all of us suffer with these conditions. Being in constant pain is so debilitating.

The past two years have been medical hell. I had a hysterectomy, shortly after, at the age of 38 I discovered I had severe scoliosis. My husband always said I had a bump in my back, but it never caused me any pain so I didn't pay much attention to it.

After yoga one night, I was in such sever pain I could barely move. I went to urgent care, thinking I could just get some vicodin and muscle relaxers and would be fine. They gave me an x-ray and I was horrified. My back looked deformed.

An MRI and 2 doctors visits later, I learned that I had a 45 degree curve multiple bulging discs, degeneration and a torn disc. I was very naive and didn't realize at the time how shitty the doctors were. They would prescibe me no pain meds and I went to a pain management clinic (a real skeevy one) and got a ton of vicodin and soma.

Within 3 months, I began to feel better and resumed being very active - I was always physically active and couldn't imagine changing that. Another 3 months passed, I was off the pain meds and one night sat down funny and heard something snap.

The next day I could no longer walk and ended up in the ER on a Fentanyl drip. Another MRI and more Dr.'s visits. I found out in the ER that they switched my primary care physician which turned out to be a real stroke of luck.

This Dr. was the first one that listened to me and explained the seriousness of my situation. He wanted to give me morphine sulfate but I had a terrible reaction to morphine in the hospital when I had my hysterectomy where my blood pressure dropped so low that I almost died. I was uncomfortable with morphine, so he put me on oxycontin.

He also referred me to another neurosurgeon. The one I went to before told me I didn't qualify for surgery, yet put in my chart that surgery was recommended (asshole). This neurosurgeon told me that my secondary problem was sever degenerative disc disease along with arthritis and to top it all off, my MRI showed a compression fracture and I hadn't had ANY trauma to the area.

I have been working with both doctors in terms of pain management and want to encourage all of you that, if possible, don't take no for an answer when you are in pain. I have had injections, which only helped the ligament pressure from the curve but not the underlying problem. I am now most likely going to have a spinal fusion, my next neurosurgeon appt is in March, where he will give me the final verdict.

I found that for me, the oxycontin only helped part of the problem, so I went back to my primary care doc and explained to him that I really needed a different kind of pain management. I tried amitriptilyne, which was the best thing for the pain but made me incredibly depressed, then was put on nortriptyline which did nothing.

The dr. then wanted to give me neurontin but I was petrified as I have heard/read awful things about it.... I started at 900mg and am now on 1800mg a day plus 45 mg Percocet.

This combination has allowed me to have somewhat of a normal life... I use that term loosely as I am no longer able to excercise or walk for long periods. Neurontin has helped with pain that opiates won't touch and works well with the Percocet. The nerve pain is so bad that without the Neurontin I cannot walk in the morning because the pain goes from my back all the way down to my feet and I can't put any pressure on my feet.

The point I want to make is that I had to take a certain kind of responsibility in terms of getting help. I do/did enjoy opiates, but I also have to keep my job up until the surgery and the amount of oxycontin I needed to relieve the pain did not allow me to really function and drive and never really addressed the worst of the nerve pain.

I had to accept that I most likely cannot expect 100% of my pain to go away and I had to be real honest with myself about my liking of opiates. One thing I have found is that in the absence of the most severe pain, my desire for an opiate high disappears.

I don't say this or mean this to be any judgment on others AT ALL. What works for one person won't necessarily work for others and I completely understand and can relate to a desire to feel better by any means possible.

I have just felt better psychologically when I decided to be proactive. I did have to 'prove' myself to my dr. - urine tests, etc. but once that understanding was reached, he has helped me along the way, even telling me that if/when I want, I can go back on the oxy which in turn made me more willing to experiment with other meds.

Thanks to all who have posted in this thread, it is really therapeutic to know that I am not alone in dealing with this.... before this new dr. I had multiple experiences of being treated as a pill seeker etc. and the pain and humiliation was very isolating. Unfortunately 4 weeks ago a lump was found in a routine mammogram and after another mammogram and ultra sound it has been determined that it is suspicious of malignancy and I have a biopsy scheduled for next thurs. The thought of spinal surgery was scary enough, now I don't know what is going to happen, but have to just trust that every thing will be ok

I_Stay_Dead

13-02-2010, 07:25

Scoliosis11, may I ask, what was the problem [or what were the problems, if there were more than one,] you encountered with morphine? How does oxycodone compare, in your case? I ask because I find myself in a similar position to your good self. I'm currently on MS-Contin and am considering making the change to OxyContin, which in my case would mean me taking around about 200 mg of OxyContin and IR oxycodone all-together daily. I've never taken oxycodone, not even in one of the combination [with APAP] meds. I've read a lot, which I know can't substitute for my personal experience, which is why I'd like to try something with oxycodone in it. I was thinking some IR tablets (tabs) (is this called OxyIR or similar to that?) would be helpful, this way I could stay on MS-Contin for my main pain relief and take IR oxycodone (oxy) tabs for break-through-pain (BTP.) If I find the IR oxy tabs are working better for BTP than the IR morphine was, I'll then strongly consider changing from MS-Contin to OxyContin.

Any of your thoughts are welcome, as is any advice or thoughts from anyone reading this thread. If you (scoliosis11) or anyone else (especially pain patients (sp?) like us - in particular, chronic pain patients.) Take care, God bless [delete as appropriate] and stay well. :) Peace all. <3 ISD ~ I Stay Dead.

I stay dead
Until you veil my scars and say goodbye to fate
Before it's too late.

Scoliosis11, may I ask, what was the problem [or what were the problems, if there were more than one,] you encountered with morphine? How does oxycodone compare, in your case?l

For some reason I am really sensitive to it, and on top of that it is not a very good pain reliever for me. It took 2 hours with a nurse sitting by me with a syringe / IV to get my pain under control immediately after surgery using morphine.

Then, when I was hooked up to the morphine pump, I pressed it continuously because I just couldn't get comfortable. In the middle of the night, I felt myself slipping out of my body and the next thing I knew a nurse was sitting me straight up in bed telling me my blood pressure was severely low. I can't remember exactly but it was something like 80 / 47.

The pump was removed, they gave me toradol which I had a terrible reaction to, and at one point had no pain meds. It was fucking awful and I was screaming in pain.

I am sensitive to many different types of meds, it has taken a while to figure out what works. I am shocked that Neurontin is a perfect fit for me.

In terms of the Oxycontin/Oxycodone: I have been on both the time release and the immediate release. I liked the immediate release because the pharmacy near me had it in tablet form and I could cut them up and take 1/2 if I wanted.

I like Oxycontin for pain, and for me there is no comparison between morphine and oxy for pain relief but it turns out that most of my pain is neuropathic, so a heavy dose of opiates isn't the best solution for me, although they do help with the deep bone pain. If I wanted to, I could get Oxycontin instead of Percocet (oxyxodone) but I find I react better to a non-time release medication and I can get effective relief from the oxycodone since I still have to drive/work.

If you have a good relationship with your doctor, then by all means try the Oxycontin. I think the relationship with a doctor is key. Good luck to you

leftwing

25-02-2010, 08:26

i've been thinking about asking my doctor about Modafinal for studying purposes and all round my lack of attention. i'm not even going to humour him with the prospect of an amphetamine.

has anyone else on pain management had much luck with Modafinal for studying and attentive purposes? no recreational shit - it's not even recreational, i'm not looking to get high.

there is some mention of this earlier in the thread so i though i'd ask for some current opinions as well.

Cane2theLeft

25-02-2010, 08:32

^I'm not sure if you've seen this, lefty.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of modafinil in combating opioid-induced sedation. DESIGN: A 1-year retrospective chart review of all patients receiving modafinil, a wake-promoting agent, to treat opioid-induced sedation. Opioid-induced sedation was measured using Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). SETTING: Outpatient, private practice. PATIENTS: Eleven adult patients, six female and five male, being treated with opioids for chronic, nonmalignant pain. RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed between pretreatment and posttreatment ESS measurements during modafinil treatment. CONCLUSION: The results suggest an improvement in opioid-induced sedation in patients treated for nonmalignant pain. SOURCE (http://www.modafinil.com/opioid-sedation.html)

leftwing

25-02-2010, 08:36

cheers cane, i'll deifinitely have a read of that shortly. if that's what you linked earlier in the thread, i apologise for making you repeat yourself;) repeat yourself. repeat yourself...i feel like a broken fucking record after walking into this place this afternoon. i need to get high pronto to deal with it:(

i haven't even begun to do any research yet, just thought i'd throw it out there for the bluelighters too.

the conclusion sounds good though:D

Cane2theLeft

25-02-2010, 08:47

^idk if I posted that before but I always recommend modafinil for OIS because it very effectively counteracts the symptoms and doesn't carry the vast majority of the liabilities that amps do. Also, generally doctors are far more willing to prescribe it.

leftwing

25-02-2010, 09:13

yeah, if its succesful in OIS it would be good for what i'm after. i've had my meth problems in the past and the last thing i need with being dependent and addicted to opiates is that shit on my back again. i don't even want to give myself the chance.

ReadingRithing

25-02-2010, 21:24

Please help, I'm new here and didn't get any response to my other question.

I think my pain management dr. is a jerk. He so wants to implant a neurostimulator he can hardly restrain himself. He's an anesthesiologist but wants me to have a paddle from a distant doctor who's considered "the best". For some reason to do with medical politics, neurosurgeons don't come here to Sonoma County. Which I doubt. I just don't think he knows any.

Right now I'm on MS Contin (morphine sulfate extended release), 115 mg 3x day; oxycodone 30 mg every 3 hrs, but I increase that to 60 usually and cut down at night. I.e. I stay at the 8 per day limit. I've also added some leftover MSIR (morphine sulfate immediate release) but will soon run out of those. I've started on nortriptyline at 10 mg at bedtime, tried to increase to 50 mg but had palpitations at 30 mg, so my doctor cut me back. I use Soma and benzos to help with the spasms and stiffness. Of course I'm very sedated. I get no highs and only "feel something" (a ghost of that wonderful narcotic effect I used to get with Vicodin or Fiorinal when I only had migraines) at about 60 mg of MSIR plus some oxycodone.

I want to add gabapentin -- that's neurotin, right?

What I'd really like to know is what would happen if I crush up one of my 15 mg MS Contin with lemon juice and swallow it. Or even cut it in half and take 7 mg. I don't want a high but I do like to feel a sense that the pain is decreasing slightly. Which is doesn't on my current protocol.

We'lve tried a lot of combinations and nothing seems to help, because it's "just nerve pain and all in your head". E.g. my physical therapist said he had an 80-y-old woman whose MRI had his jaw on the floor and she was bouncing around playing tennis. I feel so blamed and shamed by all these people.

Anyway, the narcotics converter, very helpful though it is, doesn't include extended release morphine. I just want to know what is the MSIR equivalent to MS Contin. How much morphine is in one of those 15 mg extended release pills?

Or, what would happen if I added another 10 mg of methadone to the mix? I don't want to kill myself.

My paiin manaagement doctor is away for a week and when I called his nurse told me snottily to see my GP, as if she could or would do anything.

I'm going to start with the gabapentin and show my dr. the article on topical ketamine gel. Other than that, I can't read all 30+ pages of this thread either, I need something now! Can someone please respond? I can't respond to PMs since I'm new...

Thanks

ReadingRithing

25-02-2010, 21:56

I'm currently on MS-Contin and am considering making the change to OxyContin, which in my case would mean me taking around about 200 mg of OxyContin and IR oxycodone all-together daily. I've never taken oxycodone, not even in one of the combination [with APAP] meds. I've read a lot, which I know can't substitute for my personal experience, which is why I'd like to try something with oxycodone in it. I was thinking some IR tablets (tabs) (is this called OxyIR or similar to that?) would be helpful, this way I could stay on MS-Contin for my main pain relief and take IR oxycodone (oxy) tabs for break-through-pain (BTP.) If I find the IR oxy tabs are working better for BTP than the IR morphine was, I'll then strongly consider changing from MS-Contin to OxyContin.

I have been on both methadone and MS Contin for chronic pain, also on methadone and MSIR (morphine sulfate immediate release), and now back on MS Contin with oxycodone, 30 mg tablets, up to 8 per day for 'breakthrough' pain. (I have no breakthrough pain, just pain, period.)

This was my first experience with oxycodone also. By the way, they just write oxycodone HCl on the bottle. Since there is no generic for Oxycontin, I guess there's not a need to distinguish. Just saying oxycodone is sufficient, it seems.

It's hard to compare since I'm in SO much pain regardless. I didn't find the methadone very helpful at all. I would tentatively say that the MS Contin with oxycodone for BTP could probably help you. Oxycodone is certainly stronger than MSIR orally, though morphine is still the gold standard IM, IV, and parenterally. Just based on that, it'll probably work better. For me, it doesn't help unless I increase the oxycodone to 60 mg at a time and cut it out at night (thus staying at 8 per day, as prescribed).

I wonder if your doctor will give you both Oxycontin and oxycodone. I know my doctor raised an eyebrow when I came to him with a existing pain protocol of methadone and MS Contin, since both are "long-acting" -- MS Contin intentionally; methadone just works that way. If s/he will, I'd say you would definitely benefit. I would love to be able to try Oxycontin and oxycodone.

endEMBEDA

12-03-2010, 06:47

this may be a silly question, but i've been searching all day with no conclusion. Is it safe to take a low dose (50mg) of tramadol while on the fentanyl 25mcg/hr patch for breakthrough pain? My doctor gave me the option of either a long term med or short term, but not both? The patch is working great but i only have access to tramadol unless he will be willing to prescribe a breakthrough medicine next appt (this will only be my 3rd appointment, so i'm wondering if this is a common things PM docs do at first or not?)

Dreamchaser159

12-03-2010, 23:49

Hi, sorry to interupt, another newbie question. I have a deteriorated disc in my lower back which is pressing against my sciatic nerve. Have had sciatica for over 2 years now, am currently taking Tramadol, 50mg, 2, 3 times a day, along with paracetamol (or codine if the pain is really bad) and Arcoxia, 90mg 1 daily and also Citralapam, 20mg 1 daily. I'm due to have a cortizone steroid injection on Friday. I'm not sleeping because the tablets usually wear off within a couple of hours before going to bed, during the day the tablets wear off and leave me crippled. I'm posting here because I read that Kratom was good for pain and helped you sleep - I'm not a recreational drug user - but I was wondering if this would help, or would the combination be dangerous?

Cane2theLeft

13-03-2010, 00:08

this may be a silly question, but i've been searching all day with no conclusion. Is it safe to take a low dose (50mg) of tramadol while on the fentanyl 25mcg/hr patch for breakthrough pain? My doctor gave me the option of either a long term med or short term, but not both? The patch is working great but i only have access to tramadol unless he will be willing to prescribe a breakthrough medicine next appt (this will only be my 3rd appointment, so i'm wondering if this is a common things PM docs do at first or not?)

If you still have pain on top of the fentanyl and are not taking any medications that interact adversely with tramadol (You can use this link to check (http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html)), then yes it is safe to use them together.

It is pretty common for PM specialists to prescribe an around-the-clock or long-acting drug for baseline pain as well as a short-acting drug for breakthrough pain but I have heard of many physicians who prefer not to do this.

Hi, sorry to interupt, another newbie question. I have a deteriorated disc in my lower back which is pressing against my sciatic nerve. Have had sciatica for over 2 years now, am currently taking Tramadol, 50mg, 2, 3 times a day, along with paracetamol (or codine if the pain is really bad) and Arcoxia, 90mg 1 daily and also Citralapam, 20mg 1 daily. I'm due to have a cortizone steroid injection on Friday. I'm not sleeping because the tablets usually wear off within a couple of hours before going to bed, during the day the tablets wear off and leave me crippled. I'm posting here because I read that Kratom was good for pain and helped you sleep - I'm not a recreational drug user - but I was wondering if this would help, or would the combination be dangerous?

First welcome to BL and you are SUPPOSED to ask questions here and you did it appropriately by using the right mega thread... so don't apologize for interrupting! You are very welcome here.

The best option for you is to find a sustainable medication regimen as well as explore other ways to manage your pain (biofeedback, meditation, physical therapy, etc.) however if you need something in the meantime, then kratom may be a viable option.

The problems that may arise are less immediate but more long term if you keep medicating yourself and raising your tolerance through using things like kratom. It is always best to be open with your doctor with how you are doing and develop a good relationship with him so that you both trust each other and listen. If you feel he is not being responsive and fully addressing your issues then you should find another physician.

leojay

15-03-2010, 06:10

so i'm sure this has been asked to death, but, is it genereally "safe" to tell a pain management specialist you've tried street drugs because of your pain?
i mean doesn't it just justify it more?

or do they then "legally" have to deny you narcotices?

im setting up an appointment because i'm sick of being in pain and paying out the ass for it..

dunno, wasted on benzos for the 2nd time ever... i'm so sorry

please forgive

Cane2theLeft

15-03-2010, 08:01

^this is something that completely comes down to the discretion and views of the doctor. There is no law or rule that if a patient discloses drug use that you can't prescribe narcotics but most doctors will change their prescribing habits if they know the patients is in recovery, has a history of drug abuse, etc.

The general consensus is to not tell the doctor about illicit drug use because its more likely that the doctor will react prejudicially.

leftwing

15-03-2010, 08:02

i'd probably withold that information, there's really no need for them to know in my opinion. it will only likely come back to bite you. using street drugs doesn't justify anything to them, it just labels you as a user, most probably a drug seeker.

what kind of pain is it you're suffering from leojay?

the first steps to take are see a GP and tell them about your pains. pending on what it is you're suffering from they'll likely send you off for scans (xrays, mris) and refer you to a pain management doctor. they may start you off on a short term schedule of narcotics in the mean time.

JayKay

15-03-2010, 15:02

nah man.

keep your privacy.

-unless whatever use you happened to be involved in with the past or present is out of control and you need help for it - in that case i'm not saying don't

Everybody has different reads on that type of thing, and it will probably lead to disrespect and possibly stigma as a drug abuser if not seeker.

these docs are generally businessmen, they aren't your understanding confidant.

I've got serious health probs, and i went through a phase of self treatment, but no need to mention that to a doc. Then I decided that I wanted to virtually take no drugs = tried a couple years (half in bed) on nsaids and a lidocaine patch (as if that crap will treat tears in my arterys :| ) before I got angry at my docs and found someone who would prescribe me something that fits my pain level. I'm still on very low dosages considering my pain level, but I can now do basic stuff like upkeep of the house and chores (and stay active past like 6pm :|).

good luck

DiverDave

22-03-2010, 20:34

I told my pain doc about my cocaine use and being in the hospital for the 30 day thing.
But since it was 25 years ago, I guess she didnt think it mattered.

I'm new to her and going for my second visit soon.
I took more then she prescribed and am worried at her reaction.
I will ask to adjust my dose when I see her.
I am going from mscontin to methadone, as the methadone works better for me.
I really didnt like the morphene as it didnt take my pain away.
I really appreciate this thread, as I've looked all over for help with my pain issues.
Reading your stories makes me realize that I'm not alone...thank you
And be safe.
Dave

leftwing

23-03-2010, 05:23

^good luck with getting on the methadone. if you legitimately had to take more than prescribed to deal with the pain then explain it to your doctor and it's likely she's going to be fine with it. the best advice is just be honest with her.

Fatkid paramedic

23-03-2010, 17:31

Hello someone has some pain issues..doesnt not have a MRI and doesnt have a primary care doctor.. How does one get a mri?

nabollocks

23-03-2010, 18:40

cheers cane, i'll deifinitely have a read of that shortly. if that's what you linked earlier in the thread, i apologise for making you repeat yourself;) repeat yourself. repeat yourself...i feel like a broken fucking record after walking into this place this afternoon. i need to get high pronto to deal with it:(

i haven't even begun to do any research yet, just thought i'd throw it out there for the bluelighters too.

the conclusion sounds good though:D

It was not on the pbs when I was taking it, so it will bankrupt you very quickly.

It however worked very well.

edit: 'it' being modafinil

Dr Pepper

23-03-2010, 18:54

Just started using lipoderm patches and they work wonders. 12 hour relief from chronic back pain. I know people with blown discs and such and they swear by them. Its 5% lidocaine gel on a sticky pad btw.

leftwing

24-03-2010, 06:19

Hello someone has some pain issues..doesnt not have a MRI and doesnt have a primary care doctor.. How does one get a mri?

you need to see a GP to get a referal otherwise turn up to a clinic which offers walk-in mri's, etc.

DiverDave

29-03-2010, 19:26

Well, I'm now of the danged morphine...(yippeee)
I feel so much better as I can go PEE now and am not sitting for hours trying to go poop.

Man, that stuff blows.
And, yeah, she is cool with everything, we adjusted the dosage and we'll see how it works. seems to be so far (fingers crossed)

I hope everyone can get their meds adjusted, because it's a good thing to beat the pain for awhile.

Cheers, Dave

BlueberryfishY

06-04-2010, 21:03

So, i've been reading some of this thread and i find it interesting that some of you with legit medical reasons have such a hard time getting prescribed some type of narcotic pain medicine.

Here's my story, started going to my fam doc about 5 months ago, complained of pain in my hands knees joints wrists and shoulders, she thought it was some type of arthritis or something like that, so she refers me to a specialist rheumatologist, but befor i set up an appt to see the RA doc my fam doc has already scripted me Percocet 7.5/500, i call back 4 days later and tell her that im worried about the APAP and is there any other formula with less APAP, she says yes and to come back in and she gives me 7.5/325 instead.

so i set up an appt with my new RA doc, go to see him and he wants to do all these blood tests and stuff like that so i do all that, he writes me a script for fucking mobic? yea mobic so i tell him what i am prescribed for pain (percocet) and he says "oh well thats a narcotic" i'm thinkin to myself you gotta be fucking kidding me, so i ask him for a referral to a pain specialist and he is happy to help me and gives me a number and even sets an appt up for me.

so 3 weeks ago i go to see my new PM doc and he is so fucking cool, he ups me to 10/325 and gives me .5 xanax for anxiety, and this is with NO proof or records that i have pain or a condition that requires narcotics. i know right lol

now here's the cool part, 3 weeks ago he told me to come back 3 weeks from that day which is today, so i go to see him at 11:30am and tell him im worried about the APAP in the percocet and what does he do? he writes me 120 15mg roxies, mind you i didnt even show him an xray.

i'm in south florida, and this isn't even one of those crazy clinics over in broward county, just goes to show you how easy it is to aquire pain killer here in florida.

PS: im only 25 yrs old and never been to a doctor befor until just recently.

Cane2theLeft

06-04-2010, 22:55

^Congratulations, buddy. Do you actually have legitimate pain or were you just lying to score drugs?

shoosT

07-04-2010, 03:41

I have acute back pain, that goes from my lower back all the way up the spine. I've dealt with this pain since I was about 12 years old. I come from a family of people with bad backs.

I've been to a chiropractor who told me that I need to visit him 3 times a week in order to "fix my problems". Unfortunately it doesn't work. At all.

I've also been in 2 car wrecks in the past 3 years in which both times the cars were totaled. The whiplash definately played a part in how bad my pain is recently.

Basically, my back pain is so bad that it is affecting my sleep, work, education, relationships, even driving is hard to do because of how bad the pain is.

I've been using oxycontin 80mg pills myself to help with the pain, which provides relief all day long... mind you i'm using between 40-120mg at least.

Basically I'm asking, is it possible that I would get prescribed something that might actually work for me? I know I need a narcotic drug, because that other stuff won't have any effect on my body. (naturally higher tolerance to all drugs I have tried.)

Also: Could a stay in rehab 2 years ago for benzo abuse prevent this? Could being arrested for posession of marijuana also affect this?

Thanks!

leftwing

07-04-2010, 03:42

^he said he's in florida...that explains everything...

leftwing

07-04-2010, 03:51

I've been using oxycontin 80mg pills myself to help with the pain, which provides relief all day long... mind you i'm using between 40-120mg at least.

Basically I'm asking, is it possible that I would get prescribed something that might actually work for me? I know I need a narcotic drug, because that other stuff won't have any effect on my body. (naturally higher tolerance to all drugs I have tried.)

Also: Could a stay in rehab 2 years ago for benzo abuse prevent this? Could being arrested for posession of marijuana also affect this?

Thanks!

i'm just about to head out for a while but i'll give you a quick reply.

oxycontin is a narcotic (extended release oxycodone), so realise you're already taking a narcotic (unless i'm confused and you're just scoring these on the side - either way, still a narcotic). that's really not too high of a dose for a long term patient to be on so in the least you would just need your dose(s) adjusted accordingly.

we can't really be too sure whether a benzo rehab stint is going to effect your chances of getting the treatment as that's going to depend on the doctor(s) you can see in your area. the more documented evidence you have of your injuries then the better chance you have of getting appropriate treatment.

leftwing

07-04-2010, 03:53

It was not on the pbs when I was taking it, so it will bankrupt you very quickly.

It however worked very well.

edit: 'it' being modafinil

yeah i did a little reading into it an it seems unless i'm narcoleptic there's slim chance of getting this on the PBS:(

JimmyMcNulty

07-04-2010, 19:45

..

Here's my story,

..

Cool story bro, you sound like a real drug seeker. "Arthritis" Ha, what do they know right. Of course you need to mix Xanax and roxies, all the cool kids do it.

BlueberryfishY

07-04-2010, 19:58

^Congratulations, buddy. Do you actually have legitimate pain or were you just lying to score drugs?

actually yes i do, on a pain scale i told him i was a 4 or 5 out of 10, and he gives me roxicodone 15mg 90 per month.

Like i said i'm in south florida, if i was in Illinois or some shit i might be lucky to walk out with lortab 5/500

If you do have legitimate pain and you are getting high off roxi's and whatnot, you probably will reach a point where the physical dependence is worse than the pain. You will probably get a few years out of this but if the DEA cracks down on S. Florida, if you can no longer get prescribed these doses, etc. then not only are you fucked because of the physical dependence or addiction but because you can't get pain relief from standard doses of medications.

I'm just telling you from one pain patient to another, be careful! It may seem great to have these large supplies of opiates now and I've been there, I know the feeling, but in the long run its not worth it. I reached a point where I decided living with some pain was preferable to continually rising doses of opiates.

leojay

23-04-2010, 09:35

thanks for the input guys, i'll prolly just keep it to myself... i just want the doctor to know where my tolerance is... cuz if i get prescribed 90 5/500 hydros, that'll hold me... for about... a week and a half

shadyMyster

27-04-2010, 03:57

Hello everyone, appreciate some insight from experienced pain management patients.
I am young. 21 male. I was in an accident three years ago. T boned on my driver side, 40mph at least, no seatbelt. No pain for a while. A year and a half ago i started experiencing pain in my left spine, lower back. Gradually increases. Constant pain, but I can deal with it. Been on various opies for a while, i'm my own prescriber so to speak. But I want to get them legitamately. I have had several xrays, have mild curve in my spine from the x rays. The doc thinks I have a herniated disk, but I dont at all. (They all wnt to give me MRI's, but I dont have the funds for them) Been prescribed 7.5 hyrdos, trams, percocet 5mg. Getting good meds is a long, intricate and careful dance. especially for those with questional diagnosis.

My question is this, can I go to a PM doctor with just xrays that are diagnosed w/ mild scoliosis, AND a written diagnosis of herniated disk? (I dont just want meds, i also want to do physical therapy, I do actually have pain, just want meds to function correctly). Can I go to a pm doc, and get a good script with my history of perc 5's? Ideally I would like 10mg oc ER, just a low dose, 2x a day. So i dont have to take a piece of junk 5mg every 4 hours when they wear off.

Cane2theLeft

27-04-2010, 05:35

^You can try to go to a PM doctor but good ones will focus on precise diagnosis before treating (which is how it should be, its just unfortunate how expensive these tests are).

shadyMyster

27-04-2010, 15:11

Yeah. I dont have a problem with that, but apparently I was already diagnosed with a herniated disk, and mild scoliosis. The scoliosis backed by 2 different x-rays, but the herniated i guess you cant see it on the xray. I guess what i'm saying is, is it feasible to get a script for 10mg oc ER w/ the previous script of perc 5s? I guess I will see in a few weeks

Nikolai

27-04-2010, 21:16

Never saw this thread here, its interesting. I was unfortunate enough about 4 years ago to be involved in a serious incident that causes me horrible pain. I have been through a lot since then and have been on nearly every pharm painkiller for periods of time. OC and roxi's, morphine, fentanyl, methadone, dilaudid. For a little over a year now I have been on a very high dose of Opana which has helped me greatly. After trying many different ways to use it I have settled on being able to use it very frequently through the day still at a high dose. With help from some other medications I have been able to stay out of severe pain the majority of days.

Reading the thread has been interesting. I admit that I do get upset when I hear people that go to doctors with the intention of getting narcotics, especially if they are lying. I'm not sure if it would have bothered me that much before I got hurt.

I will try to follow the thread and help people any way I can.

shadyMyster

27-04-2010, 21:26

Nikolai, I too am in pain, but I also know that when I stop the meds I am in a lot of pain, which could be due to the meds themselves. After taking meds for so long, your body experiences MORE pain, I forget what it's called but it's real. Also, I am in pain but I can usually bear it, even though apparently I have scoliosis and a herniated disk, I feel like the doctor is wrong I do not have a herniated disk. It sucks because the gov is all over the meds now, doctors are scared to do their job. They will have nothing left to prescribe, except for antibiotics and blood pressure meds. Oh wait, now we're told no antibiotics for all the super bugs! And... the blood pressure/allergy meds are typically OTC now.

Cane2theLeft

27-04-2010, 21:37

^its called opioid-induced hyperalgesia and its pretty rare.

How can you OR your doctor know if you have disk herniation if you haven't had proper imaging studies to see?

Nikolai, I too am in pain, but I also know that when I stop the meds I am in a lot of pain, which could be due to the meds themselves. After taking meds for so long, your body experiences MORE pain, I forget what it's called but it's real. Also, I am in pain but I can usually bear it, even though apparently I have scoliosis and a herniated disk, I feel like the doctor is wrong I do not have a herniated disk. It sucks because the gov is all over the meds now, doctors are scared to do their job. They will have nothing left to prescribe, except for antibiotics and blood pressure meds. Oh wait, now we're told no antibiotics for all the super bugs! And... the blood pressure/allergy meds are typically OTC now.

I wasnt saying I didnt believe you or anyone else on here wasnt in pain. I have had friends that went to the doctor pretending to be in pain, and it is an obvious problem. Opioid-hyperalgesia is a controversial subject some think its real, others think its B.S.

I really think you are going to need an MRI if you want to get real help. Also, having scoliosis or even a herniated disc doesnt always mean that person will be in pain. Some people have terrible spines on an MRI and are pain free.

I think you need to see a doctor of some kind if you're in pain, I didnt go through the process of finding help after pain. I was severely hurt and almost immediately started on medication and Ive been on medication ever since. But I have also gone through many many other things in attempts to improve my quality of life.

Even an ER might not be a bad option for you if the pain gets severe. They may want to order an MRI though. Or just see a GP to set you in the right direction and hopefully write you a script in the meantime. All doctors are likely hesitant to prescribe narcotics, but they will for someone they believe is in pain, they look for things when they see you to help them decide on believing you or not.

IDK, someone else will probably know better what your first step should be.

PLUR2000

28-04-2010, 00:01

How do I approach a M.D. with a PM question, I've done the therapy,etc... and as I'm 25 my PCP says "I'd Rx opiates for you, but... you're too young" which I understand his worries. I need relief, my sculiosis is getting unbearable and I need help. I live in Texas (North) Any suggestions?

Cane2theLeft

28-04-2010, 00:07

^PCP's are not well-trained or comfortable treating chronic pain patients. The best suggestion anyone can give is to see a pain management specialist and work with them to find the best way to manage your pain. If you have chronic pain it should be no problem getting a referral to one from your PCP (if your insurance requires that as mine does).

shadyMyster

28-04-2010, 00:18

Yeah I have scoliosis and that is going to be a hard one to pull, doctors have a consensus that scoliosis will only hurt if you have other problems like DDD or something like that, and will maximize both pain. Otherwise they say scoliosis is relatively pain free unless your spine is over a 40 degree curve I believe they said, which I dont even see how one could walk with that much of a curve ha.

And nikolai, yeah I think its best to go to PM this summer when I can get all of that done. Problem is its so many hoops you have to jump through.. Do this get that test get this scan do that drive here appointment there etc. Adds up quick time and money

scoliosis11

28-04-2010, 02:55

Yeah I have scoliosis and that is going to be a hard one to pull, doctors have a consensus that scoliosis will only hurt if you have other problems like DDD or something like that, and will maximize both pain. Otherwise they say scoliosis is relatively pain free unless your spine is over a 40 degree curve I believe they said, which I dont even see how one could walk with that much of a curve ha.

And nikolai, yeah I think its best to go to PM this summer when I can get all of that done. Problem is its so many hoops you have to jump through.. Do this get that test get this scan do that drive here appointment there etc. Adds up quick time and money

When I found out I had scoliosis and DDD, my curve was 45 degrees, and has since progressed. It is incredibly painful, but people walk with even higher curves. Even with x-rays AND MRI's showing this plus spinal canal impingement and narrowing there are plenty of docs who tell you to take tylenol.

You just have to search until you find someone that will help you. It took me quite some time, unfortunately. There is such a huge bias against opiates along with strict federal regulations (in US) that finding good doctors is hard.

In the past, in between trying to find a doctor, I went to plenty of "pain management" clinics, where $150 got you multiple prescriptions for anything,without so much as an x-ray. In my case, I needed treatment and a solution so I kept looking for a legit. doc